UK Bank Holidays
The next UK bank holiday is the Battle of the Boyne (Northern Ireland) on Monday, 14th July 2025.
UK Bank Holidays 2025: Full List with Calendar
Are you looking for an authentic UK bank holidays 2025 list to plan your time off? Whether you are a banker seeking a holiday to rest or a tourist planning a hassle free holiday in the UK. This is your ultimate valid guide to make your holiday worth enjoying across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
This ultimate guide has all the answers of “when is the next bank holiday in the UK?” and “how many bank holidays in UK 2025?”.
Get all the details, from the holiday list to expert tips on planning your trip.
📅 How Many UK Bank Holidays in 2025?
Before we dive into the specific dates, let’s tackle the most asked question: How many bank holidays are there in 2025?
In 2025, the UK will enjoy 8 bank holidays in England and Wales, 9 in Scotland, and 10 in Northern Ireland (lucky you;0).
Each country within the UK has its own holiday setup, so let’s break it down for each region step-by-step.
Bank Holidays in England & Wales, Scotland and NI
Date | Day of the week | Bank holiday |
---|---|---|
1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
21 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
5 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
26 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
25 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Date | Day of the week | Bank holiday |
---|---|---|
1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
2 January | Thursday | 2nd January |
18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
5 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
26 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
4 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
1 December | Monday | St Andrew’s Day (substitute day) |
25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Date | Day of the Week | Bank Holiday |
---|---|---|
1 January | Wednesday | New Year’s Day |
17 March | Monday | St Patrick’s Day |
18 April | Friday | Good Friday |
21 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
5 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
26 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
14 July | Monday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) (substitute day) |
25 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
25 December | Thursday | Christmas Day |
26 December | Friday | Boxing Day |
Extra UK Bank Holidays 2025 Country wise
The UK has extra bank holidays that differ by region. These holidays may also be linked to special events.
Public Bank Holidays in England and Wales
St. David’s Day (1st March): Celebrated in Wales, but not in England.
Easter Monday: Falls the Monday after Easter Sunday, a holiday in England and Wales.
Late May Bank Holiday: Occurs on the last Monday in May.
Summer Bank Holiday: In Scotland, it’s the first Monday in August. In England and Wales, it falls on the last Monday of August.


Bank Holidays in Scotland
St. Andrew’s Day (30th November): A public holiday in Scotland.
Burns Night (25th January): Celebrated widely in Scotland, though not an official public holiday.
Fourth of July: While not a bank holiday, some areas mark American Independence Day with informal celebrations.
Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland
St. Patrick’s Day (17th March): A public holiday in Northern Ireland.
Orangemen’s Day (12th July): A significant holiday in Northern Ireland.
Battle of the Boyne (12th July): Celebrated by the Protestant community in Northern Ireland.

Special Bank Holidays
Some holidays are added for specific events:
- Royal Weddings: Major royal weddings often result in a one-off holiday. For example, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011 led to an extra day off.
- Jubilee Bank Holidays: Royal milestones, like the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, create additional bank holidays. The 2022 celebration included a special holiday on June 2nd.
Curious about “Are Most UK Bank Holidays on Monday?”
Yes, most UK bank holidays fall on Mondays as it does in list of uk bank holidays 2025. This is due to the ‘substitute day’ rule. If a holiday lands on a weekend, it’s observed on the next Monday. This rule creates longer weekends throughout the year. For instance, the August bank holiday is always on a Monday, giving many people a long weekend.
How to Maximize Your Annual Leave for 2025
🥚 Easter Bank Holidays 2025: Plan Your Long Weekend
Wondering What is the date of Easter in UK bank holidays 2025? Ah, Easter Bank Holidays-that magical time when spring begins to bloom and chocolate eggs seem to be everywhere. In 2025, Good Friday falls on 18 April and Easter Monday on 21 April.
Here’s a quick plan:
- Friday to Monday off – Perfect 4-day break.
- Tip: Book your travel early as prices soar.
- Anecdote: Last year, I made the mistake of waiting too long to book a countryside Airbnb during Easter. We ended up staying in a caravan next to a sheep farm—which, fun fact, is very noisy at 5 a.m.!
🌼 Spring Bank Holidays 2025: Shake Off Winter Vibes
The Spring UK Bank Holiday 2025 falls on Monday, 26 May in 2025. It’s the perfect time to pack a picnic or take a spontaneous road trip.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Check the weather
- Book any tickets in advance (especially parks or theme parks)
- Prepare for traffic if you’re heading to popular spots like Brighton or Lake District
🌞 August Bank Holidays 2025: Summer’s Last Hurrah
The August UK Bank Holiday 2025 (25 August 2025) is your final chance for summer fun before schools reopen and work resumes full swing.
If you’re in Scotland, it’s on 4 August 2025, so don’t mix them up!
Ideas to spend August Bank Holidays:
- Attend a Notting Hill Carnival in London
- Beach day at Bournemouth or Cornwall
- Quick getaway to Europe
💡 Tips to Maximize Your Time Off in 2025
Want more holidays? Here’s how to hack your annual leave around UK bank holidays 2025:
Holiday | Suggested Leave | Total Days Off |
Easter | 15–18 April | 10 days off using 4 |
Early May | 5–9 May | 9 days off using 4 |
August | 25–29 August | 9 days off using 4 |
Christmas | 24–26 + 29–31 Dec | 10 days off using 3 |
Step-by-Step Leave Plan:
- Look at the calendar now.
- Check your company’s leave policy.
- Submit your leave requests early and bridge days.
- Sync with your team to avoid overlaps.
- Book flights/hotels in advance for the best rates
🧠 A Short Memory Trick
If you ever forget when the UK bank holidays 2025 fall, just remember:
“One in January, two in April, one in May, one in August, two in December” for England and Wales.
🧳 Bonus: Best Travel Destinations for Long Weekends
Why not turn your bank holidays into quick adventures? Here is four perfect destinations for uk bank holidays 2025.
- Yorkshire Dales – perfect for Spring breaks
- Lake District – quiet and stunning in early May
- Isle of Skye – magical during August
- Edinburgh – visit during St. Andrew’s Day and enjoy winter vibes
The Importance of Bank Holidays in the UK
Bank holidays in the UK provide essential time for rest and relaxation. They give people a break from the daily grind, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being. These holidays also offer opportunities for family bonding and community events. Economically, they boost tourism and local businesses, especially in retail and hospitality. Additionally, they celebrate UK traditions and national milestones, helping to strengthen cultural identity. Ultimately, bank holidays improve work-life balance and enhance quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK bank holidays 2025
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What are the UK bank holidays 2025?
UK bank holidays 2025 include New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, August Bank Holiday, Christmas, and Boxing Day. Specific dates vary by region.
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How many bank holidays in 2025?
There are 8 in England and Wales, 9 in Scotland, and 10 in Northern Ireland.
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When is Easter in 2025?
Good Friday falls on 18 April, and Easter Monday on 21 April in UK bank holidays 2025.
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Do bank holidays differ by UK country?
Yes! For example, Scotland has 2 January and St. Andrew’s Day, while Northern Ireland observes St. Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne.
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Are bank holidays paid in the UK?
It depends on your employment contract. Most full-time employees are entitled to paid leave on bank holidays, but always check with your HR department.